Derbyshire Constabulary puts public protection....

26 February 2009, 6:37pm

Derbyshire Constabulary puts public protection at the heart of policing

Effective public protection rests on information management services which help engage with the public and build up trust through enhancing police processes and promoting business change, according to Derbyshire Constabulary.

The Force has used its innovative partnership with Northgate Public Services, a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector, to successfully deliver additional protection and support for vulnerable people over the past year, whilst streamlining its information provision and standardising its procedures.

In a move which ensured compliance with the Management of Police Information (MOPI) guidelines, the Constabulary extended its work with Northgate to transform the management of public protection information using Northgate’s Guardian system. Its unique public protection system provides for the recording and management of reports and referrals on such matters as hate crimes, child and domestic abuse and issues relating to vulnerable adults.

The Force has benefited from enhanced and strengthened risk assessment through the improved collection, linkage and evaluation of information on vulnerable individuals and their known associates, and the fact that the system proactively supports timely intervention directing activity where and when it is needed. Realisable benefits include:

· providing specialist teams and partner agencies with accurate and joined up information - a single view of an individual or a household and their involvement with the police leads to better management of risk and supports proactive intervention;

· enhanced communications with Neighbourhood Policing Teams - enabling them to be more aware of what is happening in their areas and helping them to evaluate current situations and required actions;

· increased visibility of victims and repeat offenders;

· greater security for front-line officers through the ability to warn officers about dangerous people in their area and those situations where sensitivity is paramount;

· improved performance information to support the requirement of the Force and its partners for improved visibility and accountability.
Driving home its commitment to public protection, the Force has recruited an additional fifty extra officers and staff to manage its public protection campaign and to address the needs of high risk public protection areas.

Four public protection teams have been established – one in each division. These

multi-skilled officers can use Guardian to help them deliver victim-led and offender-focused strategies, designed to reduce the risk of harm and serious crime through preventative action.

[Derbyshire Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable, Peter Goodman] said today:

”We are wholly committed to providing a high-quality policing service to everyone in Derbyshire. Our investment in public protection systems and people is critical to this. By minimising risk and promoting public engagement, we are reducing the serious crime that destroys the lives of individuals and costs the police millions to investigate.

“Innovation and change which focuses on a proactive approach to public protection gives the public greater peace of mind and provides more efficient and effective services. Our incremental partnership with Northgate is helping us in our battle to fight crime. It is built upon a joint commitment to promote transformation in our operations and business processes, and to build police services which put the needs of communities at their heart”.

Ian Blackhurst, Managing Director of Public Safety, Northgate Public Services added: “We are delighted that our work with Derbyshire Police is helping to achieve the service transformation public services need to rebuild public trust. Information is at the heart of effective, proactive and preventative policing. And people are key to delivering it. Our services have been designed to ensure that the police are fully engaged in their development. They are led by the day-to-day operational requirements of public safety organisations. It is this involvement that is integral to our success.”

For more information - Fellows’ Associates:
Kathy Sutton - 020 7395 1516;
Konstaninos Makrygiannis - 020 7395 1518

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